Air Pollution With Relation to Agronomic Crops: III. Vegetation Survey Methods in Air Pollution Studies

Abstract

Before any of its seven proposed major steam-electric plants began operation, TVA initiated a study of control of airborne emissions from these plants. One phase of the study was the development of a field surveillance program to evaluate the effects, it any, of the fumes on native vegetation. This program as developed is centered around the use of indicator species. The indicator species mainly used for the surveillance program are Blackberry (Rubus sp.), Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida), Helianthus sp., Cranesbill (Germanium carolinianum), and Blackjack oak (Quercus mavilandica). The field surveys are conducted by making use of smoke dispersion patterns, topographic maps, indicator species, meteorological records, and autometer records. The various indicators are available at different times during the growing seasons, and some are selective in their habitats.